28 INTRODUCTION. 



that more than ordinary pains would be taken to select 

 and rear a race of dogs whose size, strength, and cou- 

 rage, should, in a great measure, make up the deficiency. 

 To this source it is probable that we are to look lor the 

 breeds inhabiting Newfoundland'% Karaschatka, Green- 

 land, Iceland, Lapland, Siberia, and Pomerania ; all of 

 which bear a strong resemblance to each other. These 

 breeds had for their origin such eastern dogs'^ as had 

 extended themselves northwards; where, being subject- 

 ed to the effects of climate and altered habits of life, 

 they gradually assumed new characters, and finally 

 presented the varieties now become indigenous and 

 common in those countries. When this enlarged breed 

 had extended itself through the vast wilds of Russia, 

 Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Germany, it became, 

 by the united eff'ects of climate and cultivation, trans- 

 formed into a gigantic animal, less rough in its external 

 covering, greatly increased in its speed, and possessed 

 of every requisite for defending its masters from the 

 incursions of the wild and predatory animals that de 

 voured their children and cattle, and even disputed with 



«6 The Newfoundlajid dog, now so common with us, was but little 

 known before the middle of the last century. He is hardy, courage- 

 ous faithful, and tractable in the extreme. His fondness for the 

 water makes him appear almost amphibious. By his aquatic powers 

 he can dive to great depths, and can remain, without injury, many 

 hours in the water; and he seems never so pleased as when thus 

 employed. This exotic dog, by his great size, superior 'beauty, 

 and interesting qualities, has nearly banished the old English mas- 

 tifi". A variety of the Newfoundland dog is sometimes imported, 

 which is smaller and smooth coated ; but it is, at the same time, 

 equally expert as a swimmer, and is said to be even a better diver 

 than the rough breed. 



>*» We can have no hesitation in considering that the first dogs 

 were found in Asia: history, both sacred and profane, agrees in 

 this. 



